Androcles and the Lion
1912
Androcles and the Lion is a play by George Bernard Shaw, first published in 1912, that retells the ancient tale of Androcles, a Christian slave who befriends a lion. The narrative explores themes of faith, compassion, and the absurdity of persecution, contrasting Androcles' empathy with his wife Megæra's cynicism. Set against a backdrop of early Christian values clashing with Roman traditions, the play combines humor with philosophical discussions, making it a notable work in English drama.














